Meetings

DEC 4, '24

Committee reviewed proposed Outdoor Dining Ordinance amendments—clarifying barriers/corrals, fee requirements (including a $100 application fee due at submittal), direct abutter notification, loading-zone placement, and lighting/electrical provisions—and set a filing/implementation schedule targeting a January filing and implementation by end of February with an application deadline of March 17.

DEC 3, '24

Approved distribution of $12,500 in Cultural Council grants to community arts projects (including Arton the Lawn, the Market Square mosaic workshop, Amesbury Chamber summer music series, and others); council also approved separate funding for a poetry readings series. The Cultural Center renovation was reported as contracted and a launch meeting is scheduled.

DEC 3, '24

Discussion of a request to add a name to the Amesbury Servicemen Memorial Honor Roll at Justin Memorial Park, consideration of a Veterans' Heritage Grant Program, and maintenance needs including flagpoles and a potential memorial tour.

DEC 2, '24

Agenda includes a possible vote on the IJNDB Responsible Use Policy, a vote expected on a South Hampton tuition arrangement, an appointment to the Student Services Interview Committee, and an update on the Shay Memorial Building project.

DEC 2, '24

Library Board trustees will review updates to the FY25 Action Plan, review the FY26 Action Plan, and discuss forming a steering committee for the upcoming FY27–29 Strategic Plan.

DEC 2, '24

The Commission issued an Order of Conditions for 58 Pleasant Valley Rd (NOI 002-1340) including waivers and planting/monitoring conditions; issued an ORAD and a COC for 118 Pleasant Valley Rd (ANRAD 002-1341; COC 002-1235); issued an OOC for MassDOT I‑495 drainage maintenance (NOI 002-1342); and declined the Chapter 61A right of first refusal for 22 Woodman Rd.

NOV 27, '24

Public hearing on The Coop Rotisserie’s application to change its liquor license from wine & malt to an all-alcohol license.

NOV 26, '24

Council approved disposal of portions of 9 School St and 5 School St (2024-133) with an amendment limiting surplussed parking to eight spaces; enacted multiple Traffic & Parking ordinance changes (2024-140, 2024-141, 2024-142, 2024-143, 2024-148); and approved the combined tax-classification package (2024-138). A public hearing was held on the proposed acquisition and appropriation for 5 Market St (2024-149).

NOV 26, '24

Agenda includes review of a leadership job posting and the New School Committee Member Guide, plus policy reviews for LBC (Relations with Nonpublic Schools), DBJ (Budget Transfer Authority), and DIC (Financial Reporting).

NOV 25, '24

The Board approved a design sign for River Run Lending at 43 Main St., approved a subdivision modification for 87 South Hampton Rd preserving open pasture and equestrian structures, and converted the 14 S Hunt Rd. erosion surety to a performance bond (held for two growing seasons). The Board also sent positive recommendations to City Council on Bills 2024-144/145/146 (Colonial Drive and Parcel X/open space acceptance) and on Bill 2024-149 (appropriation/borrowing for 5 Market St.), and approved an ordinance amendment to the Subdivision Rules and Regulations (2024-113) to meet EPA/MS4 stormwater requirements.

NOV 21, '24

The agenda includes review of an Environmental Site Assessment for the former Trader Allen truck stop with LSP Jon Higgins and discussion of next steps; consideration of a surplus order for disposition of 5 and 13 School St. (the former Ordway School); and discussion of existing conditions and next steps for the former AES site.

NOV 21, '24

Discussion of the recent Fall STEM Festival with a debrief of outcomes and planning takeaways; review of the draft School Improvement Plan.

NOV 20, '24

Agenda includes Ordinance 2024-096 (expansion of the Renewable Energy Development Overlay District), Order 2024-133 to dispose/surplus city-owned properties at 9 School St and 5 School St, multiple traffic and parking ordinance amendments (2024-140, 2024-141, 2024-142, 2024-143, 2024-148), Orders to lay out and accept Colonial Drive (2024-144, 2024-146) and accept a quitclaim deed for Lot X in the Eastern Lights subdivision (2024-145), and Order 2024-149 to acquire 5 Market St with a $3,150,000 appropriation.

NOV 20, '24

Agenda includes an application from The Coop Rotisserie to change its liquor license category from wine & malt to an all‑alcohol license.

NOV 20, '24

TRC drafted a framework for an Outdoor Dining ordinance — agreeing on application and usage fees, abutter notice (not consent), safety/ADA requirements, and an application deadline — and discussed close-out requirements and a targeted partial CO schedule for 14S Hunt Rd. (Munters).

NOV 19, '24

Committee recommended approval of the FY25 annual tax classification (2024-138) and an increase in exemption amounts (2024-139); recommended a $1,800 transfer for Veterans Services (2024-147); and recommended the mayor be authorized to acquire 5 Market St with a $3,150,000 appropriation (2024-149).

NOV 18, '24

Agenda includes a Q1 Budget Report from the Director of Finance, an MCAS performance report from the Director of Teaching, Learning, and Equity, and a School Committee/District Goals review.

NOV 18, '24

The agenda includes Order 2024-133 to authorize disposal of portions of city-owned property at 9 School St and 5 School St; Ordinance 2024-140 through 2024-143 and 2024-148 proposing multiple amendments to the Traffic & Parking Regulations (including Whitehall Rd parking prohibition, changing 2-hour to 3-hour parking, banning parking on curbs, and prohibiting parking in fire lanes); Orders 2024-144 and 2024-146 to lay out and accept Colonial Drive; Order 2024-145 to accept a quitclaim deed for Lot X in the Eastern Lights subdivision; and Order 2024-149 to acquire 5 Market St for City Hall with a $3,150,000 appropriation.

NOV 18, '24

Discussion of specific properties at 12 & 14 South Hunt Road (Munters & Sports Park) and a continued item on Conservation Land & Open Space. Policy and management topics include adopting/enforcing a tree policy, Japanese knotweed and invasive species management, educational outreach, training opportunities with DEP Circuit Rider Alicia Geilen, and commission recruitment.

NOV 18, '24

Agenda includes a Facilities Update and discussion of ESSER III funding; the meeting also schedules financial reporting and questions on the Q1 report.